Margaret Lake Trail #1332.1
Climb the slopes of Mt. Margaret to visit its namesake lake and push on to the summit for views of Mt. Rainier.
Total Distance: 5.5 miles
Total Ascent: 1900ft (1600ft in; 300ft out)
Highest Point: 5100ft
Total Ascent: 1900ft (1600ft in; 300ft out)
Highest Point: 5100ft
To get there, take I-90 to the Hyak Exit 54 and take a left. As you pass under the freeway take a right on the frontage road. Follow the road for about two and half miles before it becomes the graveled Forest Service Road No. 4832. Follow FR 4832 for a mile or so to an intersection. Head left. Ignore an unmarked and slightly overgrown side road that leads out to the Lake Lillian Shortcut. Instead, continue past for a few tenths of a mile to a parking lot labeled Lake Margaret and Lake Lillian. Gear up and find the trail a few hundred feet further along the Forest Road. View Google Directions >>
From the trailhead, follow the Lake Lillian Trail #1332 on a decommissioned logging road winding through recovering clear-cut. Overall, the trail is fairly tame and most of the elevation gain comes at the beginning. Switchback up the slope toward the shelter of mature Douglas fir and pine while noting the landscape as you ascend. If you’re lucky, Mt. Rainier will be out headlining the horizon.
Under the protection of the trees you’ll continue to gain elevation until you attain the ridge. At this plateau the trail diverges. Take the short spur down to Margaret Lake along the Margaret Lake Trail #1332.1. As you cross over into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, occasional openings in the trees reveal glimpses of what is to come. Pass tiny Lake Yvonne and find Lake Margaret not far beyond.There's a lot more to Margaret Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
Under the protection of the trees you’ll continue to gain elevation until you attain the ridge. At this plateau the trail diverges. Take the short spur down to Margaret Lake along the Margaret Lake Trail #1332.1. As you cross over into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, occasional openings in the trees reveal glimpses of what is to come. Pass tiny Lake Yvonne and find Lake Margaret not far beyond.There's a lot more to Margaret Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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